Can the Indonesian National Team win the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup? This is a compelling question ahead of FIFA's inaugural tournament, which will run from 24 September to 5 October 2026.
Indonesia holds several key advantages. The Garuda squad will host Division 1 matches and have been drawn in Group A alongside Singapore, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. All Group A fixtures will be played at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta.
Meanwhile Group B consists of Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. The winners of each group will face off in the Division 1 final on 5 October at SUGBK.
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It is no longer time for the learning phase. John Herdman is required to lead the Indonesia National Football Team to win the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.
FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: It's Time for John Herdman to Lead the Indonesian National Football Team to Claim the Championship Title.
John Herdman is urged to learn lessons from the AFF Cup, with the target of winning the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup as champion.
With this tournament structure, Indonesia has an open path to challenge for the title. That said, the championship target will still need to be proven on the pitch.
Erwin: Must Play Well And Win
Football analyst Erwin Fitriansyah assessed that the Indonesian National Team must both perform well and secure victories at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.
According to Erwin, being the host nation alone is not enough. The Garuda team must demonstrate quality gameplay and translate that performance into positive results.
This view means this tournament is not merely an opportunity to trial players. Indonesia needs to build positive momentum right from their very first match.
Herdman Will Not Guarantee A Trophy
Indonesia National Team head coach John Herdman has taken a realistic stance when discussing the championship target.
Herdman confirmed he cannot guarantee Indonesia will lift the trophy. Match outcomes, he explained, are never fully within a team's control - factors including technical execution, referee decisions, and luck all play a part.
What he can promise supporters is full commitment, focus, and maximum effort in every single match.
However, refusing to guarantee a trophy does not mean Herdman is not chasing the title. Responding to PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir's stated target, Herdman embraced this ambition and confirmed the trophy is the prize the entire squad will fight for together.
Sapto: Not Obligated, But Absolutely Achievable
Fellow football analyst Sapto Haryo Rajasa offered a different perspective.
Sapto agrees there is no absolute obligation for Indonesia to win the tournament. In football, no final result can ever be guaranteed before a ball is kicked.
That said, he believes the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup title is something Indonesia should realistically be capable of achieving.
One major advantage is the ability to field an optimal squad. For this tournament Herdman will be able to select all available top players who are in match-fit condition.
This means Indonesia will have the opportunity to compete with the strongest possible line-up at their disposal.
Host nation status also brings additional benefits. The expected home crowd support inside SUGBK is set to provide the Garuda squad with significant extra energy.
First Step: Win Group A
Indonesia will face Singapore on 25 September, Malaysia on 28 September, and Bangladesh on 1 October.
These three matches will be the first test for Herdman and his squad.
To qualify for the final, Indonesia must finish top of Group A. With the group stage played as a single round-robin, every dropped point will have a major impact on the final standings.
This is the point where all three perspectives align.
Erwin demands Indonesia play well and pick up wins. Herdman will not promise a trophy, but guarantees maximum fight. Sapto notes winning is not a requirement, but is a realistic target to strive for.
At the end of the day, the answer to the question "Can Indonesia Win?" will not be decided by predictions.
It will be decided on the pitch.
Watch the full discussion with Erwin Fitriansyah, Ronny Pangemanan, Raisha, and Gilang Respaty on the ITSMe Podcast, recorded from Sentul Studio, Bogor.
